Ambitious global goals aimed at ending poverty and inequality by 2030 are moving more slowly than expected and would struggle to get approval from United Nations members if put to a vote. The sweeping 15-year agenda is a global "to-do" list on such issues as climate change, women's rights, education, hunger, joblessness and land degradation. The cost of implementation has been estimated at US$3 trillion (S$4 trillion) a year.

But the online poll, conducted between July 31 and Sept 8, found two-thirds of 113 respondents said progress on the goals was slower than anticipated.

"What's really important is to figure out how to connect those high-level goals to actual projects and investment opportunities ... There's a need for much greater urgency. I think everyone needs to do more and move faster."

Read the full article about the UN SDG's from The Straits Times.